The Best Spots for Beginner Surfing in the Bay Area

With the warm summer months comes those rare few days when we can actually take to the Bay Area beaches. We’re not in Hawaii, but you can still take advantage of the warmer weather and try your hand at some water sports. Never stepped foot on a surf board? There are some gentle beaches that are notoriously popular amongst beginners. You’ll need a wetsuit (those Pacific Ocean waves are cold), a board, and a lesson or two (either from a friend or from one of our surf school suggestions listed below). But once you’ve got the hang of it, head to one of these Bay Area beaches for beginner surfing.

Situated inside a protected cove, Cowell’s is the most popular beginners surf spot in the Bay Area. It’s an infamously polluted beach, so you’ll want a wet suit before stepping foot in. Located just to the west of the Municipal Wharf pier in Santa Cruz, you’ll have views of the pier, tourists, and the Dream Inn while you wait to catch a wave.Surf school:Cowell’s Surf Shop

Just 20 minutes south of San Francisco off Route 1 in Pacifica, Linda Mar is an ideal surf spot for the novice. Stay at the south end of the beach for gentle breaks and make sure to wear wet shoes to avoid the sharp rocks on the ocean floor below. Waves rarely reach over five feet, so you can be sure to find some easy ones to ride. This beach can get crowded, so be prepared for companySurf school: Adventure Out

Situated on the southern end of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas’ beaches are protected from winds, so the swells tend to remain on the smaller side. One of the Bay Area’s safest surfing beaches, The Channel produces consistent waves so it’s perfect for a long day of practicing. The Patch is also great if you want to ride long, smooth waves to the shore.Surf School: Bolinas Surf Lessons at 2 Mile Surf Shop

Also known at the Princeton Jetty, this strip of ocean in Half Moon Bay is perfect for beginners who don’t like crowds. The long beach ensures that you won’t be butting boards with other surfers, and the shallow water is ideal for those who are afraid of traveling too far out. Further to the south, you’ll find the least crowded area and gentler waves.Surf school: Sea, Surf & Fun

Located to the east of Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point is a gentle break point that offers consistent waves for beginners. The Hook, located near the intersection of East Cliff Drive and 41st Avenue, is also a solid spot to catch a wave. But be aware that you won’t find much of a beach to take breaks on.Surf school: Surf School Santa Cruz

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